The 2024-25 QMJHL finals begins tonight with the Memorial Cup host Rimouski Océanic (12-3-2) taking on the regular season leaders, the Moncton Wildcats (12-1-0).
Both teams boast some of the deepest and strongest rosters in the entire CHL, including both key NHL affiliated talents and those yet to have been drafted or signed.
Here's five key performers to watch in this series who have yet to get looks from NHL teams.
1. Caleb Desnoyers (Moncton Wildcats, 2025 NHL Draft)
Caleb Desnoyers has cemeneted himself as the top draft prospect from the QMJHL in the 2025 NHL draft and for good reason. The centerman boasts a strong 200-foot game and has been vital to the offense of the Moncton Wildcats this season. With 84 points (35+49) across 56 games, he had the highest point totals on his team, scoring 17 more than the following player. Those numbers also land him third in scoring from 2025 NHL draft eligible prospects behind Blainville-Boisbriand's Justin Carbonneau and Val-d'Or's Philippe Veilleux.
Since the playoffs have begun, however, Desnoyers has been a different beast -- scoring 24 points (9+15) across 13 games at the highest per game rate of all players who played 10 or more games. It would be no shock if he is able to cap off this season leading Moncton to a QMJHL championship, that he'll receive strong Top 5 considerations at the draft.
33 QMJHL Skaters And Six Goaltenders Make NHL Central Scouting's Final Rankings
NHL Central Scouting's final rankings for the 2025 NHL entry draft are officially here. 39 QMJHL talents are featured on this iteration of the list -- including <a href="https://media.d3.nhle.com/image/private/t_document/prd/zgqnbu6snufgqsqrdvjg.pdf">33 skaters</a> and <a href="https://media.d3.nhle.com/image/private/t_document/prd/vmgusukenf2fcvhvk98g.pdf">six goaltenders</a>.
2. William Lacelle (Rimouski Océanic, 2026 NHL Draft)
It's not often a goaltender is given the keys to the castle at 17, but after the injuiry to Montreal Canadiens prospect Quentin Miller and the arrival and departure of overage goaltender Samuel St-Hilaire, William Lacelle stood tall -- finishing off his rookie campaign with a .909 save percentage over 36 games, winning 27 games and finishing with a league lowest 2.38 goals against average.
When the playoffs began however, he was nowhere to be seen -- replaced by backup goaltender Mathisa Langevin who picked up a .947 save percentage through the first 13 games of the playoffs. Since Lacelle has returned he's been a little underwhelming, with just a .903 save percentage through five games. With Langevin looking real sharp, Lacelle will have to prove himself worthy of the starting role each night against the toughest team of the regular season and playoffs. If he can, he may very well become an first round candidate on early lists at next year's draft.
EDIT: Lacelle has been replaced by Langevin as the starter for Game 1. Given Lacelle's pedigree and that the teams will face-off against eachother at the Memorial Cup, it would not surprise if they throw in Lacelle if Langevin concedes a couple games early in the series.
3. Jacob Mathieu (Rimouski Océanic, Overager)
In each of Jacob Mathieu's five seasons in the QMJHL, he's had the opportunity to make the playoffs and up until this year, he's generally not been a major factor. Even last year when the team's captain notched 63 points (35+28) over 55 games -- he would only go on to tally two points through five games, none of which goals. It's clear something has clicked for Mathieu in the playoffs this season because he hasn't just been a major factor, he has been dominant. With 24 points (13+11) through 17 games, he is tied with Moncton's Caleb Desnoyers' for most in the post-season.
As of right now, he's set to join Northeastern University for the 2025/26 season, but his innate goalscoring talent, willingness to engage physically (even at 5-foot-11) and ability to create space for himself and teammates should keep him on the radar of NHL teams.
Top Remaining QMJHL Overage Free Agents
With the November ruling allowing CHL players to play Division-I US collegiate hockey, most QMJHL overage players have already found commitments for next season, whether in the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/ncaa">NCAA</a>, U Sports or professional hockey.
4. Jonathan Fauchon (Rimouski Océanic, Overager)
Jacob Mathieu isn't the only overager on Rimouski worth keeping a close eye on as they also have Jonathan Fauchon. He was the team's biggest acquisition near the trade deadline, and for good reason. Fauchon led the entire league in points with 103 (46+57) through 64 games. While his goal scoring touch may be the best in the league, he's settled into more of a playmaking role in the playoffs with just three goals, yet 13 assists for 16 points across 17 games with Rimouski. Despite the production, he's sitting at a -3. One must wonder if there will be more of a focus on him this round to finish his chances.
Fauchon will join Providence College of the NCAA next season, but like Mathieu, should be on the radar of NHL teams.
5. Julius Sumpf (Moncton Wildcats, 2025 NHL Draft Re-Entry)
Passed on twice in the NHL draft, this season may finally be the one for German-Canadian forward Julius Sumpf to hear his name get called. He capped of his second season in Moncton with 65 points (26+39) through 58 games and since the playoffs have started, he's remained poignant. Sumpf has rallied for 12 points through 13 games so far this playoffs. His eight goals are good enough for second on the Wildcats, and tied for third in the playoffs.
As of right now, NHL central scouting has Sumpf listed as the 115th North American skater, meanwhile FCHockey puts him at 200th on their full list.
Flames First Rounder Expected To Leave QMJHL, Turn Pro
The Shawinigan Cataractes secured their star last season in <a href="https://thn.com/calgary">Calgary Flames</a> first round draft pick, <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/international">Russian</a> forward Matvei Gridin.
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